Home Page

 

 

 

 

 

ARCHIVES OF LEAD STORIES

 

August 4, 2005

Frank Morris, pioneer in state government, artist, lawyer

 

Frank W. Morris Jr. passed away on July 25 after a long illness. Mr. Morris inspired many to live fully with hope, courage and faith as the guiding principles of life.

Mr. Morris was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1918. As a young teenager, Frank developed a keen interest in the visual arts and honed his artistic skills by sketching portraits of people in the ‘30s. Frank was awarded a scholarship to the Philadelphia Museum School of Art, where he received his diploma in ‘37. Frank received his bachelor’s in education from Temple University in 1941. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and attained the position of captain.

In 1946, Frank moved to Boston where he continued his education and started his family. He attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design and then received a master’s in fine arts from Boston University in 1948. Frank continued on to receive a L.L.B. degree from Suffolk University School of Law in 1957 and was subsequently admitted to the Massachusetts Bar.

In 1948, Frank began his professional career with the Commonwealth; a career that spanned 38 years. He was the first African American employee of the State Housing Board and by the ‘50s he was promoted to chief of development and in 1959 Gov. Foster Furcolo appointed him as director. This appointment made him the first African American senior manager of a state agency.

Frank was appointed as chief counsel of the Department of Communities and Development by then-Gov. Michael Dukakis in 1977. By the ‘80s Frank was also serving as special counsel to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Communities and Development until his retirement in 1986. Throughout his career, Frank received numerous professional recognitions and awards.

In addition to his legal career, Frank was known as one of Boston’s popular artists whose paintings were exhibited frequently in Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. His artwork received many awards, including exhibits at the New England School of Art & Design, the annual All-Island Art Show in Martha’s Vineyard and the Art-in-the-Park programs at Copely Square and Monroe Park in Roxbury.

Mr. Morris was a staunch supporter of civic organizations that serve Boston’s African American community. He served as a board member of the Dimock Community Health Center, Freedom House of Roxbury and United South End Settlements. He was a lifetime member of the Massachusetts National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials and the NAACP. He also worked closely with the Boys Club of Boston, the Commonwealth Housing Corp. and other civic organizations. Frank was an active member of Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, The Guardsmen and the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

Donations in his memory can be made to Twelfth Baptist Church, c/o Children’s Art Program, 160 Warren St., Roxbury 02119.

 

Back to Lead Story Archives

Home Page